If you’re preparing for surgery or recovering at home, you may be surprised to learn that your procedure includes a surgical drain. While the idea of a drain can sound intimidating, these temporary devices play an important role in healing and are commonly used in many types of general surgery.
Here’s what to know about why surgical drains are used, how long they stay in place and how to care for them safely at home.
What is a surgical drain?
“A surgical drain is a small tube placed near the surgical site to remove excess fluid, blood or air that can collect after an operation,” said Theresa Krawiec, MD, general and bariatric surgeon at Inspira Health. “The drain directs this fluid into a small collection bulb or container outside the body.”
By preventing fluid buildup, drains help reduce swelling, lower the risk of infection and support proper wound healing.
Why do surgeons use drains?
“After surgery, it’s normal for the body to produce fluid as part of the healing process,” said Dr. Krawiec. “In some cases, that fluid can collect under the skin or around internal tissues. When this happens, it can slow healing, increase discomfort or raise the risk of complications.”
Drains are often used after procedures involving larger incisions, tissue removal or areas where fluid is more likely to accumulate. Your surgeon decides whether a drain is needed based on the type of surgery and your individual health needs.
How long will a surgical drain stay in place?
Most surgical drains are temporary and are removed once fluid output decreases to a safe level. This can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the surgery and your body's healing.
Your care team will monitor how much fluid the drain collects each day. Once drainage slows and healing is on track, the drain can usually be removed during a follow-up visit.
Does caring for a surgical drain hurt?
Caring for a surgical drain should not be painful, though you may feel mild tenderness around the insertion site. Emptying the drain, measuring output and keeping the area clean are usually straightforward and become easier with practice.
Your care team will show you exactly how to manage your drain before you go home and will provide written instructions for reference.
How do I care for a surgical drain at home?
“Proper drain care is essential to prevent infection and ensure healing,” said Dr. Krawiec. “This typically includes emptying the drain as instructed, recording the amount of fluid collected and keeping the insertion site clean and dry.”
You’ll also want to secure the drain so it doesn’t pull or tug on the skin. Wearing loose clothing and using a safety pin or clip to attach the drain to your clothing can help keep it in place.
Always wash your hands before and after handling the drain, and follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
What should I watch for?
While most drains work without issues, it’s important to watch for signs of infection. Contact your care team if you notice:
- A fever
- Increasing redness, warmth or swelling around the site
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Sudden changes in drainage amount
- The drain stops working or falls out
These signs don’t always mean something is wrong, but they should be checked promptly.
When should I call my surgeon?
“Reach out to your surgeon or care team if you have concerns about your surgical drain, worsening pain instead of improvement or questions about your healing progress,” said Dr. Krawiec. “Never try to remove a surgical drain on your own unless your care team specifically instructs you to do so.”
Surgical drains may feel inconvenient, but they serve an important purpose in helping your body heal after surgery. With proper care and guidance from your care team, most patients manage drains successfully and have them removed as healing progresses. If you’re unsure about any part of your recovery, your surgical team is there to help every step of the way.